Watercraft Registration: Putting Your Boat's Id In Order

Boat registration is a legal requirement in most states, and the rules and guidelines for this process depend on where the vessel will regularly operate. Generally, boats with gasoline, diesel, or electric motors, including trolling motors, must be registered. Personal Watercraft (PWCs) are also considered motorized crafts and must be registered in most states. Sailboats without auxiliary power must be registered if they exceed a certain size, which varies by state. The registration requirements for kayaks, paddleboards, canoes, rowboats, and other human-powered craft also vary by state, but most don't need to be registered. To register your boat, you must complete a registration form, provide proof of ownership, and pay a registration fee, which differs by state and vessel size. Once registered, you will receive a registration number and decal, which must be displayed on the boat according to specific guidelines.

Research state-specific registration requirements

Registering a boat is required by law and the rules and guidelines for this process depend on where the vessel will regularly operate. Here are the state-specific registration requirements for boats in the USA:

Alabama

Alabama boat registration laws are found in § 33-5-9 of the 2016 Alabama Code. Registration numbers are required for all vessels on the waters in Alabama, including sailboats. All other boats that are not powered by motors are exempt from registration laws.

Boats that are registered must display registration numbers on both sides of the bow of the vessel. Numbers are to be displayed in three parts, with a hyphen or space separating each part. Numbers are to be block characters, 3 inches in height or more (excluding borders). Thickness of the characters must be uniform. Slanted characters, scroll and decorative fonts are unacceptable. Registration must have hyphens or spaces between number and lettering groups, as follows:

AL 1234 AB or AL–1234–AB

The validation decal (also known as a registration decal) must be placed within 6 inches and in line with the registration number on either side of the boat.

Vessels that are documented with the U.S. Coast Guard do need to be registered with the state, but they do not need to display the registration number on the bow. The validation decal must be placed in a visible location on the vessel in this situation.

Alaska

Alaska boat registration laws are found in section 05.25.053 of the 2016 Alaska Statutes. Undocumented boats in Alaska must be registered in the state. Vessels that do not need to be registered include non-motorized boats and handmade, non-motorized umiaq boats with a walrus or seal skin covering.

The law explains that:

> A person may not operate a boat on water of the state unless a valid certificate of the number has been awarded by the Department of Administration to the boat and the identification number and any required validation decals are properly displayed on the boat.

The state law does not outline specific requirements for character height or where the registration number is placed on the vessel. It can be assumed that registration numbers must be displayed on the forward end of the bow on both sides of the vessel. Letter and number groupings of the registration number are to have hyphens or spaces between them.

AK 1234 AB or AK–1234–AB

With all boats documented through the U.S. Coast Guard and not the state, the hailing port and boat name must be displayed on the exterior hall in 4-inch lettering. Commercial vessels must display the name on the port and starboard bow, and stern. Those vessels must also display the hailing port on the stern. The hailing port must include a place and a state, territory, or possession.

Arizona

Arizona boating registration laws can be found in Title 5-321 of the 2016 Arizona Revised Statutes. As with most states, registration numbers are required for all motorized watercraft. Vessels documented with the U.S. Coast Guard do not need to be registered.

The AZ registration numbers must be adhered or displayed on both sides of the forward half of the vessel, reading from left to right in block letters that are 3 inches or more in height. Numbers must be visible from 100 feet away during the day. The AZ letters must be separated from the numbers by a space or hyphen. An example of numbering is as follows:

AZ 1234 AB or AZ–1234–AB

Registration decals must be placed in front of the AZ on both sides of the vessel.

Arkansas

Arkansa boating registration laws can be found in § 27-101-301 of the 2015 Arkansas Code. All watercraft must be registered and have the corresponding registration number displayed on both sides of the bow. This includes all boats propelled by a sail or motor.

“The numbers to be procured and attached shall be at least three inches (3”) in height and of block character, and shall be attached to the forward half of each side of the vessel and clearly visible, pursuant to federal law, and attached in such a manner and position on the boat as may be prescribed by the rules and regulations of the Arkansas State Game and Fish Commission in order that they may be clearly visible.”

Registration numbers marked on the boat must be maintained in a legible condition. Numbers are to be displayed as follows:

AR 1234 AB or AR–1234–AB

Vessels that are already documented with the U.S. Coast Guard must register with the state, but do not need to display registration numbers as long as a hailing port and boat name are displayed.

Registration decals (provided for by the state) must be displayed along with the registration numbers.

California

California boating registration laws can be found in Title 13 § 190.00 of the California Code of Regulations. State law explains that all watercraft must be registered with the state. Vessels used on private lakes and waterways must also be registered. Watercraft that are exempt for registering include:

• Vessels that are only propelled with oars or paddles
• Non-motorized sailboats less than 8 feet in length
• Surfboards propelled by a sail with a mast held upright by the user

Undocumented vessels must have registration numbers painted permanently on or displayed on both sides (using decals or stickers) of the forward half of the vessel. Undocumented vessels are vessels that are registered through the DMV and do not have a marine certificate issued by the U.S. Coast Guard. Vessels that are registered with the U.S. Coast Guard must display the hailing port and boat name on the vessel.

Lettering must be legible and visible with plain, vertical, block characters that are 3 inches in height or bigger and must contrast with the color of the background. Numeral and letter groups are to be separated by hyphens or a space of equal width. For example:

CF 1234 AB or CF–1234–AB

Registration stickers issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles must be secured to each side of the vessel 3 inches aft (toward the stern) away from and directly in line with the registration numbers.

Letters, numbers or devices that are not in connection with the issued registration number cannot be placed near the displayed registration numbers on the boat.

Colorado

Colorado boat registration laws are set forth in the Colorado Revised Statutes. Section 33-13-103 explains the necessity for vessels to display registration numbers; all vessels with motors and sailboats must be registered and display numbers. Vessels that do not need to be registered include:

• Canoes, kayaks, non-motorized rafts (owner’s name and address must be displayed on these vessels)
• Vessels with a valid marine document issued by the United States
• Vessels registered within another state that have been in Colorado for less than 60 consecutive days
• Vessels from another country that are temporarily using the waters of the state

The state does not outline whether on not vessels documented with the U.S. Coast Guard need to be registered with the state.

Vessels that are required to display registration numbers must do so according to the Colorado guidelines.

> The number issued shall be painted on or attached to each side of the bow on the forward half of the vessel or, if there are no such sides, at a corresponding location on both sides of the foredeck of the vessel for which it is issued. The number issued shall read from left to right in block characters of good proportion having a minimum of three inches in height, excluding border or trim, and of a color that contrasts with the color of the background, and so maintained as to be clearly visible and legible (33-13-104).

Letter and number groupings within registration numbers are to have spaces or hyphens placed between them. For example:

CL 1234 AB or CL–1234–AB

The registration decal (provided for by the state) must be attached to either side of the bow two inches to the left of the the displayed registration number.

Connecticut

The boat registration laws of Connecticut are outlined in Sec. 15-142, and Sec. 15-144 of the Connecticut Revised Statutes. Registration is necessary for all vessels used on the waters within the state, except those that are less than 19 ½ feet in length and not a motorboat, and any vessel that is propelled only by oar or paddle.

Vessels documented with the U.S. Coast Guard do not need to be registered within the state. Such vessels must display a boat name and hailing port on an exterior part of the vessel.

Requirements for numbering height and format are not outlined in the Statutes. It can be assumed that registration numbers must be at least three inches in height and in block characters.

Numbers and registration decals must be visible on both sides of the bow of the vessel. Though not explicitly mentioned in the law, it can be assumed that hyphens or spaces of equal width must be placed between the letter and number groupings of the registration number, as follows:

CT 1234 AB or CT–1234–AB

Registration decals are only available from the state. The state does not provide free or paid templates for registration numbers.

Delaware

Delaware boat registration laws can be found in Title 23 Chapter 21 of the Delaware Code. Registration numbers are required to be displayed on all motorized vessels. Vessels that do not need to be registered include:

• Vessels owned by the state
• Vessels from another country that are temporarily using the waters of the state

Vessels that are required to display numbers must paint or attach them (with stickers or decals) on the forward half of the bow. The state does not outline the specifics, but it can be assumed that characters must be block letters at least three inches in height that contrast the background color of the boat. It is assumed that a hyphen or space must be placed between the letter and number groupings of the registration number:

DL 1234 AB or DL–1234–AB

There is no mention of registration decals in state law or on the state boating website, but it can be assumed that decals are provided for by the state. The state does not provide free or paid registration numbers to attach to the vessel.

Florida

Florida boating regulations are outlined in section 328.48 of the 2016 Florida Statutes. All motorized vessels must be registered through your local tax collector’s office. Vessels that are exempt from registering include:

• Non-motor powered vessels less than 16 feet
• Non-motorized canoes, kayaks, racing shells, and rowing sculls
• Vessels that are stored, used, or operated on private lakes and ponds

Vessels documented with the U.S. Coast Guard must also obtain a state registration number and display the validation decal on the port side of the vessel along with boat name and hailing port designation. State registration numbers do not need to be displayed on boats registered with the U.S. Coast Guard (state validation stickers are required to be displayed).

Vessels that are required to register and display numbers must paint or attach numbers (using stickers or decals) on each side of the forward half of the vessel in such a position as to provide clear legibility for identification, except, if the vessel is an airboat, the numbers may be placed on each side of the rudder. The numbers awarded to the vessel shall read from left to right and shall be in block characters of good proportion not less than 3 inches in height.

Numbers and letters within the registration number are to be separated by a hyphen or space of equal distance:

FL 1234 AB or FL–1234–AB

The decal issued to an undocumented vessel shall be displayed by affixing it to the port side of the vessel within 6 inches before or after the registration number. The state does provide the decal, but does not provide free or paid registration numbers to attach to your vessel.

Georgia

Laws regarding Georgia boat registration can be found in § 52-7 of the 2015 Georgia Code. All motorized vessels are required to register with the state. Vessels that do not need to be registered include:

• Non-motorized vessels
• Sailboats less than 12 feet in length
• Vessels used exclusively on private ponds or lakes
• Vessels documented with the U.S. Coast Guard
• Vessels from another country temporarily using the waters of the state
• Vessels exclusively used for racing

As is common among boat registration laws, numbers must be displayed on the forward half of the vessel. The identification number must be comprised of three-inch (no less) in height and one inch apart. It can be assumed that a hyphen or a space is needed between prefix letters and numerals and between the numbers and suffix letters as seen below.

GA 1234 AB or GA–1234–AB

If the vessel’s design would not allow the number to be visible on the forward half of the bow, then the number can be attached to a backing plate, which should be attached to the forward half of the vessel.

Registration decals must be applied to each side of the bow before the prefix letters. The state will provide you with a registration decal upon registering. However, the state does not offer free or paid registration numbers to adhere to your vessel.

Hawaii

Hawaii boat registration requirements are explained on the Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation website. All motorized, undocumented vessels must be registered with the state. Vessels that do not need to be registered include:

• Boats that are manually propelled
• Vessels propelled only by sail that are eight feet in length or less
• Vessels documented with the U.S. Coast Guard
• Foreign vessels and vessels from another state in Hawaii waters for less than 60 consecutive days

Vessels that are required to register must paint or display (using decals or stickers) registration numbers on each side of the forward half of the vessel, reading from left to right. The numbers and letters must be at least three inches in height and in block characters (slanted or scripted numbers are not acceptable). The color of the number must contrast with the background of the boat. Numeral and letter groups of the registration number must be separated by a hyphen or a space of equal distance.

HA 1234 AB or HA–1234–AB

Registration decals (provided by the state) must be displayed along with registration numbers on the forward half of the bow. The state does not provide free or paid registration numbers to display on your vessel.

Idaho

Idaho boat registration laws are set forth in the 2016 Idaho Statutes. Sections 67-7008 and 67-7009 outline the requirements and exemptions for the numbering of vessels. All motorized watercraft must be registered with the state. Vessels that are exempt from registering include:

• Non-motorized vessels
• A vessel’s lifeboat
• Vessel’s owned and operated by the United States
• A vessel from another country using the waters of the state for less than 61 days

Vessels that are required to paint or display numbers (using decals or stickers) must do so on the forward half of the vessel. The state does not explicitly outline height requirements, but it can be assumed that numbers and letters must be at least three inches in height in block characters, with the color contrasting the background of the boat. Numbers and letters must be separated by a hyphen or space of equal distance, as seen below.

ID 1234 AB or ID–1234–AB

Validation stickers (provided by the state) must be attached to each side of the bow of the ship. The state does not specify proximity to registration numbers, but it is assumed that decals must be within three inches of and in line with the displayed registration number.

The state does not provide free or paid registration numbers to attach to your vessel.

Illinois

Illinois boating registration laws can be found in the Illinois Boat Registration and Safety Act (found in 625 Illinois Compiled Statutes 45). The law states that, “Every watercraft other than non-powered watercraft on waters within the jurisdiction of this State shall be numbered.” The numbers shall be displayed on each side of the bow of the vessel.

Non-motorized watercraft are required to have a water usage stamp, which must be applied to the vessel for use on waters of the state.

Registration numbers adhered to the vessel must be at least 3 inches in height and be read from left to right. “In affixing the number to the boat, a space or a hyphen shall be provided between the IL and the number and another space or hyphen between the number and the letters which follow.”

IL 1234 AB or IL–1234–AB

The state of Illinois does not provide free or paid boat lettering templates or decals.

Indiana

Indiana boat registration laws can be found in the 2016 Indiana Code. Section 9-31-3 outlines registration requirements and exemptions for the state. All sailboats and motorboats must register with the state. Vessels that do not need to be registered include:

• Canoes, rowboats, paddleboats
• Vessels from another country temporarily using the waters of the state
• Watercraft registered in another state that has been in Indiana for less than 60 consecutive days
• Watercraft moored in the Indiana portion of Lake Michigan for no more than 180 consecutive days

Vessels documented with the U.S. Coast Guard are not mentioned in the state law. It is assumed that they do not need to be registered with the state.

Required vessels must paint or attach (using decals or stickers) registration numbers in a clearly visible and legible position on the vessel. The state does not specify the exact location, but it can be assumed that registration numbers must be placed on the forward half of the bow. Though not specifically stated in the law, it is assumed (based off of common boat laws) that registration numbers are to be displayed with the number and letter groupings separated by a hyphen or a space of equal distance (

Complete a registration form

To register your boat, you will need to complete a registration form. This can be done online, through the mail, or in person. The specific form and method of submission will depend on your state and the type of boat you are registering.

For example, in Arizona, you will need to file a Watercraft Registration Application with the Arizona Game & Fish Department. This can be done by mail or in person at a department office. In Ohio, you will need to apply in person at a boat registration agent or watercraft office.

When submitting your registration form, you will also need to provide proof of ownership, such as a title or bill of sale. In some cases, you may also need to provide additional documentation, such as the original title or registration if you are registering an out-of-state boat.

It is important to note that the requirements for boat registration may vary from state to state, so be sure to research the specific requirements for your state before submitting your registration form.

In addition to completing the registration form and providing proof of ownership, you will also need to pay a registration fee. The fee amount will vary depending on the state and the size of your vessel.

Provide proof of ownership

To put watercraft registration on your boat, you must provide proof of ownership. This is a crucial step in the registration process and will be required by the relevant department in your state. Proof of ownership is usually in the form of a title and/or a bill of sale. This is a legal document that transfers ownership of the boat from the seller to the buyer. It is a crucial piece of paperwork and will be required not only for registration but also in the event that you sell the boat.

The bill of sale should include specific details about the boat to positively identify the vessel. This includes the hull identification number, construction material, year built, model, registration number, and other details that identify the boat. Both the seller and buyer should sign the bill of sale. If you are unable to obtain a bill of sale, some states may allow an Affidavit of Vessel Ownership Form to be submitted instead.

If you are registering a boat in a state different from where it was previously registered, you may need to provide additional documentation. For example, if the boat was previously registered in a title state, you will need to submit the original title with the transfer to the new owner's name. If the boat was registered in a non-title state, you will need to provide the original registration card with the previous owner's name. In some cases, a bill of sale from the dealer may also be accepted.

It is important to note that the specific requirements for proof of ownership may vary depending on your state and the type of boat you own. Therefore, it is recommended to check with your local authorities or the relevant department handling boat registrations to ensure you have the correct documentation.

Pay the registration fee

Paying the registration fee is an important part of the boat registration process. The cost of registering a boat varies depending on the state and the length and type of boat. On average, the cost of registering a boat is between $25 and $250. However, in Arizona, the cost of registering a boat depends on the length of the boat and whether the owner is a resident. For example, registering a boat between 12 feet 1 inch and 16 feet in length costs $22 for residents and $102 for non-residents.

In most states, boat registration fees are paid to either the state fish and wildlife agency or the department of motor vehicles. Many states allow boat owners to pay their registration fees online or by phone. When you pay your registration fees, you will receive a certificate of registration and a validation decal. The certificate of registration should be kept in a safe place on board the boat, while the validation decal and vessel registration numbers must be displayed on the outside of the boat.

Display registration numbers and decals correctly

Displaying the registration number and validation decals correctly is essential to avoid a ticket and operate your boat legally. Here are the key guidelines to follow:

Placement:

The registration number should be displayed on the bow of the boat or at least on the forward half, on both sides. The decals should be placed on each side of the bow, before the prefix letters of the registration number. Ensure the numbers are on the forward half of the boat, with no other numbers displayed in this section.

Size and Style:

The registration number should be at least 3 inches in height and in block letters. Some states may specify bold or capital letters. The numbers should be easy to read and clearly visible.

Colour and Contrast:

The colour of the registration numbers should contrast sharply with the background to ensure readability. Some states may specify this in their regulations.

Format:

The number should be displayed from left to right and separated from the letters by a space or hyphen. For example, "GA 3717 ZW" or "GA-3717-ZW".

Application Method:

The numbers can be painted on, applied as decals, or otherwise affixed to the boat. If using decals, ensure they are stick-on vinyl decals for the best adhesion and longevity. Apply them to a clean, dry, fiberglass surface.

Frequently asked questions